What Exhibitors are saying about the
Chincoteague Blueberry Festival

I wanted to thank you for running such a pleasant and profitable (for me) festival this past weekend. Chelsea Market Designs was new to your festival this year and will definitely be back for next summer! I was impressed and pleased by the easy and organized set up and take down, the close availability of a clean and cool facility and the charming , friendly staff and helpers I encountered throughout the weekend. I was also pleased by the high quality of the craft I saw and the variety of items for sale.

Many thanks
Best regards,
Jackie Skarzynski
Chelsea Market Designs

The Chincoteague Blueberry Festival 2015 was a tremendous success in every aspect. I was an outside vendor selling woodcarvings of fish, mermaids crabs and turtles. This is, at least, my tenthyear participating as a vendor and this show has always been great but this year for me was better than ever….. The weather was perfect, The crowds came in larger numbers ready to spend, the venue is comfortable and the staff has thought of everything to make the vendors and customers happy… Also great entertainment and food. I signed up for next year on the spot. Sam Serio and his staff are to be commended for the professional and successful way they ran this years show. I highly recommend the 2016 Blueberry Festival to other vendors... Mark Cunningham, Fish Art

Sam & Staff:

I am a relatively new author and in contact with the Virginia Tourism Office they suggested the Blueberry Festival on Chincoteague Island as a good location for promoting my book, WOW, What a Day! I followed up in contact with Sam Serio who made a last minute accommodation for setting up a venue for promoting my memoir. We had been to Chincoteague years ago when the kids were small to see the running of the ponies but wow what a difference. The festival, community and businesses were all extremely cordial and accommodating and the thousands of visitors were a spectacular lot during the weekend experience from all over. I’ll not share how many forms of blueberries (cones, pies, pancakes, muffins, etc.) I enjoyed. I plan to make it an annual visit! Thanks Sam.
Ed Moore, PhD
Wow, What A Day
Chester, VA

Sam & Staff:
Great Blueberry Festival with a wide variety of vendors with quality handcrafted unique items; crowds always exceed expectation; relaxed, friendly and fun atmosphere in the height of the season in Chincoteague. Highly recommended!

Best Regards,
Joan Devaney
Glass Artist
Salisbury, MD

Sam & Staff:
“Best ‘Showcation’ EVER! Had a wonderful time, paid for an 8 day vacation and made money too!” “Sam and his team were ever-present and super helpful – Thanks!” “How to judge a show? Results. Sam delivered BUYERS in big numbers” “Great event, super accommodating staff, and great mix of products – and the best Festival food EVER” “Paid for next year already, would not miss it – what more can I say”

Regards,

Wanda Anderson
The Ear Vinery
Ocala, FL

Sam & Staff:
This was our first year on the craft show circuit and I have to say that the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival was one of the top shows that we participated in! Even though it’s only been a year, we have had varying experiences, some good, others not so good, but this was a great one! Everything ran like clockwork, set up was easy and the staff was always pitching in to help us. We didn’t know what to expect and we were pleasantly surprised at the whole experience. Even though we only known the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival staff for this one show, we feel like family. We can’t wait for this year’s festival!

See you in July!

1st State Sassy Glass
Lynn Misener
Lewis, DE

I have been a craft vendor for the last five years and have attended many venues in the tri-state area. Last year I had several people tell me about the Blueberry Festival on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I heard nothing but positive comments. I contacted Mr. Sam Serio, who was the festival promoter and was very impressed by his professionalism, positive attitude and attention to detail.

The event was well run with an outstanding attendance. There were none of the normal issues that vendors face such as parking, assignment of space or of routine setup or breakdown. The place ran like a well oiled clock.

Needless to say it was outstanding with customers that were pleasant to deal with and interested in my product. This translated into, without a doubt, my biggest weekend revenue in all the time I have been a craft vendor. I also received orders on-line for weeks after the festival. I have ear marked this show on my calendar and plan to attend any event, in the future, that Mr. Serio manages.

Sincerely,

Fran Phillips
Quillows by Fran
Easton, MD

“…our best Summer Show! Generations of families come from all over the country..TO BUY!!! It was amazing how many people made the journey from the Midwest to this pretty little Island and have passed it along as a family tradition.”

Bill Anderson
Milly’s Organics
Sterling, VA

This is one of the most enjoyable shows I do. I have participated as an artist in the Chincoteague Blueberry festival for 5 years now. My sales at this show increase each year and set up is the smoothest and easiest of the shows I do. It is always a pleasure when I see familiar customers who return to enjoy the festivities every year, you will have repeat business if you do this show each year. I am currently filling an order for the holidays after being contacted by a customer who saw and purchased from me at the festival. Sam and his crew work hard to make this show even better each year and take good care of their vendors. If you have any issues they will work quickly to take care of anything they can. This is an extremely well advertised show making use of traditional advertising as well as social media. The attendance this past year after tapping into Facebook was amazing. In addition, you cannot go anywhere on the island without seeing a flyer advertising the event. With all the great art, music and delicious blueberries in every imaginable form set amidst such an idyllic setting… You’d be hard pressed to find something better to do this weekend.

Stacey Allin
Gladmist Glass Design
Virginia Beach, VA

I Love the Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival!

It is run so professionally – no confusion over spaces, un-loading and set-up are efficient, aisles are wide, publicity is terrific. Oh, and the food is amazing — where else do you find Blueberry pancakes or crab and avocado tacos for lunch? Anything run by Sam Serio is a class act.

Shirl’ Eklund
Driftwords
Chestertown, MD

Dear Sam,

I wanted to thank you for the opportunity in joining your family of artists, at the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival. The support of your team and the large amounts of visiting guests really show the work you put into this festival and coming from North Carolina, it was great (no stress). This was one of the best organized festivals; in that there were no surprises and lots of help for us artists with set up and take down. Both my sister and I cannot wait till next year!

As crafters, we do over 45 shows a year and have done so for 32 years. We are extremely selective of what shows we choose. The Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival is one of the best shows we have ever done! The location, atmosphere, quality of vendors, the professionalism of the show promoter and most importantly the high level of sales every year, makes it a total pleasure. We highly recommend this show for vendors and patrons.

Beverlee & Wayne Kirk
Kirk Enterprises
Louisville, KY

I have known Sam Serio for many years as a fellow vendor, he as always been friendly and professional, he brings these same qualities to his role as a promoter. I have done the Blueberry Festival every year since Sam took it over and it has always been a great show. It is one of the few shows that successfully weathered the economy of the last several years. I would highly recommend this show to anyone that is looking for a quality show that they can count on from year to year

Kent “Boo” Gorsuch
LindseyBoo Creations Inc.
Waynesboro, VA

The Chincoteague Blueberry Festival is a crazy and wonderful 3 days. The crowds of friendly people pour in, in droves, eager to visit, look and buy! Sam and his crew take care of our every need, and whether inside or out, they are highly visible. Jerry and I will definitely set up our Church Street Produce booth again this July and sell fresh produce. Oh yeah…and many dozens of mini tomato pies, hot out of the oven on Church Street will find their way over, along with an assortment of berry pies, brownies…I wonder what else?

Paula & Jerry Alms
Church Street Produce
New Church, VA

My wife and I have been exhibiting at art and craft shows for over 30 years. We do 20 to 25 shows a year. Five years ago, we discovered The Chincoteague Blueberry Festival. We have found it to be one of our most consistent shows, for attendance and sales. Sam and his staff do everything they can to help each exhibitor have a smooth and successful weekend. I would highly recommend The Chincoteague Blueberry Festival to any quality artist or crafter.

Just to thank you for letting us be a part of the Blueberry Festival again this year. We have enjoyed being an artist, at the festival, for the past several years. It is always lots of fun. We meet many nice people and usually get a number of new customers. God bless all and wishing you another successful year.

Donna Drew
Copper Creations
Melfa, VA

Hello Sam and Staff

As always I appreciate the professional way the show is run. I am comfortable knowing that the show is well organized and advertised. I feel at home with the staff and if I have any questions or need anything, the staff, or yourself, are there to assist. You and the staff are always roaming around during the show to say hello and if there is anything that can be done to make the show any better or if I need any assistance with anything. Looking forward to the next show and the shows after that.

Keep up the great work and have a blessed day.

Stephen Moore
Sea and Nature Photography
North Chesterfield, VA

This year’s Blueberry Festival was our first experience doing an out of state show, and the first time we participated in this event. It was well planned and the staff was great. They personally greeted everyone and was available for any questions the artisans had. This is truly an artisan show, and they work hard to keep that feel with high quality handmade items. The facilities at the Chincoteague Community Center were top notch and the visitors to the festival were very friendly and courteous. This was a wonderful experience and we look forward to coming back in the future.

Jennifer Dilworth and Christine Jester
JA Dilworth Designs
Dover, DE

Hi Sam,

Thanks again for producing such a great show, at this year’s Blueberry Festival. I have done the show each year you have been involved with it and appreciate all of the hard word and long hours your team puts into making it a successful show. From the moment we arrive on Thursday, for setup, until we leave on Sunday, you have all of the details covered. It truly is one of the most organized shows that I have participated in. Attendance was great, which meant sales were, too. The number of people through the doors this year must have broken a record! You do such a good job with the advertising, leading up to the show. I talked with several people who were on Chincoteague Island for the first time, who planned their vacation around the Blueberry Festival. Thanks again for all of your hard work and I look forward to next year.

Karen Pruitt
Karen C. Pruitt
Nassawadox, VA

Sam,

I’ve been doing this show for many years and I always look forward to the Blueberry Festival. It’s one of my favorites; as my sales are really good and I like talking to those who attend — the locals and those from out-of-town. Sam bends over backwards for the crafters, trying to make us as happy as possible.

The Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival is my favorite part of the summer. Coming back to Chincoteague feels like I’m coming home to family. Of all the shows I do in a year, the Blueberry Festival is the best managed and promoted. The Blueberry Festival is not just a craft show, but is truly a festival, a celebration of summer. They have scrumptious blueberries at the front doors, pony rides for the children, live entertainment for everyone, and such a wide array of craft vendors. There truly is something for everyone here.

Melanie
Melanie’s Doll Dreams
York, PA

Hi Sam,

As a vendor, I look forward to the Annual Chincoteague Blueberry Festival, each year. Sam is not just a promoter, but actively helps us all. Each year, I increase my customer base and income. Sam is always bringing in exceptional vendors and entertainment. He markets the festival in many ways; including Facebook and Twitter. Interaction with repeating customers and new customers keeps me coming back, too. Sam goes out of his way to make sure vendors and customers alike, have what they need; including a great time.

Thanks Sam and the rest of the crew for a great festival!! See you in July!

Amy Eckard
Massage Away
Temperanceville, VA

Sam,

I look forward to the Blueberry Festival every year, having participated for many. It is such an exciting time on the Island starting with the Blueberry Festival, then Pony Round-Up followed by the Chincoteague Pony Swim. I get to meet so many people from all over the country, at the Festival. The show has great attendance and I want to thank you for the great job you do promoting this event. Also, thanks to your staff for their hard work and help at this busy time. The Blueberry Festival has become a very successful show.

Rose Taylor
Chesapeake Bay Originals
Exmore, VA

The Blueberry Festival is a great show. It is well advertised, promoted and run. I have participated for the last ten years and each year is more profitable and enjoyable for me. Chincoteague is a wonderful tourist destination and the crowds are there to spend on Pony Penning week. I recommend this show because it is fun and profitable.

Mark Cunningham
Fish Art
Hayes, VA

Sam,

I just wanted to thank you for such a well planned event. Your volunteers were so helpful and organized. I am looking forward to next year’s event. The people that work the event were wonderful.

Thank you from Bead-a-Licious
Barbara Prevento
Salisbury, MD

Hi Sam!

I was a first time craft vendor at this year’s Blueberry Festival and found working with Sam and all the people at the Chincoteague Center to be a real pleasure! The Festival was organized, well run and the promotional efforts by Sam produced a great turn out and a good time was had by all those that attended. I have already signed up for next year’s Blueberry Festival and look forward to working with Sam again. I would certainly recommend any crafter to seriously consider attending this Festival, it really paid off for me!

Pamela Alton
Broken Shell Jewelry
Chincoteague, VA

Hello Sam,

Just finished my 3rd quarter shows and I wanted to let you know that the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival has continued to grow in sales for us. I just wanted to thank you for the kindness that you show the vendors, you do not find that everywhere. We have been doing shows since 1995. It does make a difference when you know you can count on your promoter to be looking out for the vendor as well as our customers. That makes a great show! It is not easy to please everyone, but we know of all our promoters, you try the hardest to please both. Keep up the good work! See you in July!

Becky & Bob Titchenal
West Virginia Fruit and Berry
Bridgeport, WV

Thanks for being a great promoter. I wish you ran more then 1 show. We hope you have great year and we will see you next year.

Jean and Eric
Enchanted Lane Magnetic Jewelry
Abingdon, VA

Sam Serio and Staff

Wanted to drop you a line and thank you and your staff. As a fourth year blueberry vendor, your show is one of our favorites. We know how much hard work it takes to produce a successful show for Chincoteague Island, vendors and visitors.

So from us and the family of crafter’s, Thank You again!

Carson and Bonnie Riley
Seaglass Orignals
Lewes, DE

Dear Sam & the Wonderful Team, who organized and worked on the Blueberry Festival,

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival. As you know we are new to the world of art/craft shows and your gracious hospitality and kindness helped to make our show event a most enjoyable experience.

We want you to know that the Blueberry Festival was quintessentially organized and ran flawlessly. The ‘check-in’ was seamless with all vendors’ spaces clearly marked. The availability of assistance to answer questions or get needed equipment helped to expedite our set up. This attention to detail was obvious as the event proceeded smoothly and efficiently. We could tell by the morning jovial announcements for snow and cold; and from the entire team’s deportment that this was a fun undertaking and that everyone was there with the same goal: ‘success for all’.

It was evident from the beginning to the end that every minute, every situation had been thought through and plans were in place to be proactive at a moment’s notice. Thank you for providing and organizing an event that certainly sets the standard for all others to strive for in the future.

I realized after I sent the email that I had one more comment. I noticed on one of my restroom trips that the admissions people were telling everyone to make sure they visited the outdoor vendors. I appreciated this extra effort on their part. I feel we had a good flow of traffic outside.

Thanks again!

Tricia Kowalewski
Wabi Sabi Glass

Hi Sam-

Here is my testimonial on the blueberry pancakes at the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival. Man they were good! Wish I had some now. “Undoubtedly, Pepper Jack Grill made the best blueberry pancakes I’ve ever had! The fluffy batter with just the right amount of sweetness to compliment the fresh blueberries was perfectly prepared on the outdoor griddle. I have never eaten pancakes with so many fresh blueberries and with such a generous portion of savory country bacon. Honestly, as a blueberry pancake aficionado, I can’t wait to go back next year and have them again because I know I will not have better until then. What an unexpected treat!”

Nancy L. Bloom

Hello Mr. Serio,

I wanted to contact you right away to say that in my humble opinion your event was one of the best, if not the best, organized of any event I have observed. You and your staff saw to every detail and communication and the event operations were very well run. It was apparent that you worked very hard to get the media coverage and it was very well attended.

Thank you for all your hard work. It shows!

Best wishes,

Linda Lumbert
Linda Lumbert Jewelry Design

What a fabulous Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival. It was the best ever. Judging from the crowds, you really did your marketing magic, including ordering perfect weather! We were very pleased and will return for as long as we are able. Danny and I appreciate all the hard work that you, your family and your staff have put into promoting the show. You bring in the crowds; the rest is up to us. And the crowds do come! Most of this hard work is done sight unseen and months ahead of the festival. But it culminates beautifully on a festive July weekend preceding the enchanting week of Pony Penning.

We also enjoyed the new beautifully appointed Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival Guide that you published. We think it’s a great way to keep the Blueberry Festival in everyone’s mind long after it ends because folks keep the guides.

Sam, thank you so much for the care, time and energy your have put into the Festival. You continually strive to try new ideas for the betterment of the Festival. I have never worked with a promoter who cares as much for the vendors as you do. I look forward to working with you again.

Rie Camba
Belle Adore
Norfolk, VA

Having participated in the blueberry festival as vendors for the past few years we feel this year’s blueberry festival was the best organized and best attended one by far. Hats off to Sam who, through his expertise and dedication made it all happen.

Louise Soaper
Sandy Pearce
Paintings by Louise

I just wanted to take the time and tell you all what an excellent job you did hosting a craft show! Each of you made us feel right at home. You were very helpful in many ways. The vendors whom Terry and I spoke to had the nicest comments to say about each of you. Everything looked beautiful! You choose vendors with class. Thank you for that. That makes me feel good! You did a wonderful, super job!! If you choose to host more craft show, I would be honored to participate in them. Again thank you for allowing us to be a part of your show! God Bless and much success to you all!!

Janness & Terry Hagerich
Termitebear’s Primitives

Thank you for having a great Blueberry Show. We were very pleased and surprised at the number of people and how well we did. We did twice as much business as what we had predicted. No one who has not put on a show knows the time and effort required. We are very interested in the next show you produce.